5 Best Outdoor Eating (and Drinking) Spots in Downtown Mystic
We all know that Mystic is famous for some phenomenal year-round sustenance and hydration. However, when the temps start rising and the patio tables start appearing, the Mystic’s outdoor dining game rivals the best of the best. In honor of the temperature finally approaching a consistent 70 degrees or above, we thought a list of the “5 Best Outdoor Eating (and Drinking) Spots in Downtown Mystic” was in order.
#5 Pizzetta
Located on Water Street, this is the “local’s pizza”. The historic home, turned restaurant, serves the best slices in town and offers a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options as well. Honestly, I am as big of a meat lover as the rest, but even I can’t resist the Vegan Nuggets. With a decent size bar opening onto an even larger stone patio, Pizzetta offers the best craft beer selection on the list. While the view isn’t the best in town, the food, drink, and laid back atmosphere bring Pizzetta to our list of 5 Best Dining (and Drinking) Spots in Downtown Mystic.
#4 Engine Room
So now that we’ve covered the vegan options let’s move on to burgers. Mouthwatering and flavorful burgers are the highlight of Engine Rooms menu, but their Sunday brunch is also not to be missed. The large patio with peekaboo river views is the perfect sport to sip on an “Old Fashioned” (one of their specialties) and embrace the carnivore in you. Another spot with a great craft beer menu, Engine Room also offers the area’s largest bourbon selection. A great place to sit back, relax, and socialize this spot comes in at number 4 on our list
You’re probably wondering where the seafood is on our list. Well it’s here at number 3 with S&P Oyster Co. Amazing views of the Mystic River and Bascule Drawbridge help solidify their spot at number 3 on the 5 Best Eating (and Drinking) Spots in Downtown Mystic. Unfortunately, for those of you looking to grab a quick drink, there are just a few “wall” seats with high tables open for non-diners. However, if you’re looking for a wonderful seafood dinner and even a more wonderful view S&P Oyster Co. is the place to be.
The view from the Tree House at Oyster Club is a bit less conventional than others on our list. After all, you’re in a riverside town, who would think that dining and drinking in the trees would be an option. Alas, our friends at Oyster Club (sister restaurant to Engine Room – #4 on our list), have created magic amongst the trees right her in Mystic. Offering on of the best happy hours in town ($1 oysters and drink specials), the Tree House is a great way to visit one of the country’s best restaurants in a casual relaxing atmosphere. Be prepared to climb some stairs to get there, but we promise it’s worth it!
#1 Red 36
Coming in at number 1 on our list of the 5 Best Dining (and Drinking) Spots in Mystic is Red 36. Located at Seaport Marine, Red (as the locals call it) can make the worst of days melt away. The modern coastal design, two full service bars, and Adirondack chair covered deck, compliment the 270-degree view of the Mystic River. Winter nights are accompanied by the covered deck and fire pits. But the Summer is really when they shine. If you like your life with a bit of spice to it, try the Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita. Red 36 is the perfect place to watch the yachts go by (if you’re lucky maybe it’ll be Johnny Depp’s yacht) and plan your next adventure.
